Lumpy Ridge Trailhead

About

Lumpy Ridge is the wall of granite domes and spires just north of town, and this trailhead starts the Gem Lake hike. It's short and steep, with a small lake at the top and views back over Estes Park. Go early.

From the corner of Wonderview and MacGregor Avenue in Estes Park, head north on MacGregor for about 1.2 miles. The road curves sharply right and turns into Devils Gulch Road just before the trailhead access road. This is inside Rocky Mountain National Park. The Gem Lake Trail is about 3.4 miles round trip with roughly 830 feet of gain. The NPS says it's rugged and not paved, and open year-round because of the low elevation and southern exposure.

Go early. It's an exposed climb, and the views of Estes Park, Longs Peak, and the Continental Divide are better in morning light. Wear real shoes, because the rock is uneven. Don't expect a flowing creek at the end. Gem Lake has no inlet or outlet and depends on snowmelt and rain. In winter, check conditions before you head up. Pets aren't allowed on Park trails. Timed-entry rules have applied to the Park at times, so check nps.gov/romo to see whether a reservation applies.